Community scale non-potable reuse in London using an MBR

Due to increasing pressure on water resources in southeast England, Thames Water are currently installing the first membrane bioreactor (MBR) plant for reuse (toilet flushing and irrigation) in the UK, at Beddington Zero Energy Development (BedZED), a prestigious sustainable development in south London. Thames Water will operate and evaluate the system via an in depth research programme for a 3 year period. A case study, the Solaire in New York (US), informed the BedZED Wastewater Reclamation Plant (BWRP) design and is presented. The BWRP process stream comprises 3mm screens, MBR, granular activated carbon and chlorination. Research will include process optimisation, water quality and water saving studies, post treatment efficiency and effectiveness, energy usage, studies of biofilm regrowth potential and householder perception studies. A comprehensive metering system consisting of hardwired pulse, electromagnetic and radio meters will monitor reclaimed and potable water throughout the site. The metering data will be used to calculate water balances and water savings at various scales. Research using the radio meters (AMR) will cover areas such as customer side leakage and usage patterns. This research will allow a holistic and complete understanding of water use and recycling in a sustainable community.